Chinese President Xi Jinping has turned down the EU’s invitation for the 50th anniversary summit, sending Premier Li Qiang instead. This decision underscores current trade tensions, especially after recent tariffs imposed by the EU on Chinese products. Discussions about the summit’s details and representation level are reportedly ongoing.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has declined an invitation to participate in an EU summit commemorating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, as reported by the Financial Times. Instead, Beijing will send Premier Li Qiang to meet with the presidents of the European Council and European Commission. This decision is notable as the Chinese premier customarily attends such summits in Brussels, whereas the president usually hosts them in Beijing.
The European Union had expressed a desire for President Xi’s attendance to mark this significant milestone in bilateral relations. An EU official remarked, “Informal discussions are ongoing, both about setting the date for the EU-China summit this year and the level of representation.” However, the Chinese ministry indicated that it had no additional information regarding this matter at the present time.
In 2024, relations between China and the EU have been strained, characterized by exchanges of criticism regarding issues such as overcapacity, illegal subsidies, and dumping in each other’s markets. Notably, the EU enacted double-digit tariffs on electric vehicles imported from China following an anti-subsidy investigation, which angered Beijing, leading to increased market entry barriers for select EU products, including brandy.
The cancellation of President Xi Jinping’s attendance at the EU summit illustrates ongoing tensions between China and the EU, particularly regarding trade disputes. The involvement of Premier Li Qiang signifies the importance of maintaining diplomatic dialogue, despite existing challenges. The situation reflects broader geopolitical dynamics and the complex nature of international economic relations.
Original Source: al24news.com
